Re: [xml-dev] RE: James Clark: XML versus the Web

[Michael Kay <mike@saxonica.com>]

On 05/12/2010 14:08, Costello, Roger L. wrote:
> Hi Folks,
>
> Consider this:
>
>      The<a>  element is, without a doubt, the most
>      important element in HTML. It turns our text
>      into hypertext. It is the connective tissue
>      of the World Wide Web. [1]
>
> Recap: hyperlinking functionality is important on the Web.
>
>
> The XML hyperlinking functionality, as specified by XLink and XPointer, is dead. [2]
>
> Can XML truly be a Web technology without hyperlinking functionality?
The problem is the failure to distinguish a "relationship" in the 
information model from a "hyperlink" as a way of presenting that 
information in the presentation space. XLink/XPointer have always been 
completely confused about the model/view distinction. XML doesn't need 
hyperlinking functionality; it needs improved modelling of relationships.

Michael Kay
Saxonica